Last year, we organised a number of activities in Faringdon to support and encourage local people to get involved in nature recovery and climate action. Working with our partners Wild Oxfordshire and local green groups, activities included a wildlife gardening talk, primary school assembly, bat walks and a wildlife wander to explore less well known green spaces in the town including All Saints Churchyard, the Allotments and the Wilderness.
Intergenerational Wildlife Gardening Project
This year, with grant funding from Sovereign Housing Group, we are working with residents at Oakwood House, Faringdon and local children from the Elms Primary School to improve communal outdoor spaces at the older people’s housing. The design and planting plan have been co-designed by the residents and children, guided by Wild Oxfordshire’s practical advice on how to help nature flourish.
Intergenerational chats have raised awareness of the impacts of climate change on local habitats such as the loss of bird species, and how these might be mitigated in a small way through the approaches we are taking in transforming the outdoor areas.
For example, we have chosen plants that attract pollinators and will be hardy enough to survive in dryer conditions. We are using peat free compost to fill planters that are being made from recycled pallets by local volunteers at the Highworth Men’s Shed. We plan to upcycle an old sink to create a water feature for wildlife and install new water butts to collect rainwater for watering and we will make bee and bug hotels.
Children and residents alike are enjoying their time together, sharing experiences, learning from each other as they work side by side on a shared goal. Small nature projects that protect and enhance nature are an accessible way for people to feel they can make a contribution to tackling climate change. They also generate positive feelings and improved wellbeing, which we see on people’s faces and hear in the enthusiastic comments during the sessions.
We look forward to sharing what we create over the next few months!